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Method and a device for identifying and neutralizing an undersea mine

Active Publication Date: 2012-10-30
DCN INC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0022]Preferably, the undersea intervention robot includes at least means for stabilizing its heading position and / or its depth position.
[0025]The device may include means for detecting the deflection of the suspension cable relative to the vertical, and connected to the control means, making it possible to estimate the difference between the position of the robot and the position of the transport vehicle.

Problems solved by technology

However that method presents several drawbacks, in particular the need to launch such robots at a considerable distance away from the mines that are to be destroyed.
In addition, unfavorable weather conditions or contrary currents significantly reduce the effectiveness of such devices.
Under such circumstances, the robots might never reach their targets or might never manage to take up a stable position in the vicinity thereof.

Method used

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  • Method and a device for identifying and neutralizing an undersea mine
  • Method and a device for identifying and neutralizing an undersea mine
  • Method and a device for identifying and neutralizing an undersea mine

Examples

Experimental program
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first embodiment

[0060]In a first embodiment and implementation, the accurate geographical position of the object 1 is determined using accurate differential geographical positioning means. The coordinates of the object are then sent to the helicopter. On the basis of this data and on the basis of information coming from the accurate geographical positioning system of the helicopter, and possibly also on the basis of information coming from the sensor 13 for sensing deflection of the cable from the vertical, the pilot brings the robot to a position vertically over the object 1.

second embodiment

[0061]In a second embodiment and implementation, acoustic positioning beacons are previously placed in the vicinity of the object and a responding beacon is placed on the undersea intervention robot 4.

[0062]The acoustic positioning beacons, which are preferably at least three in number, serve to determine accurately the position of the undersea intervention robot by means of the interfaces with the responder beacon of the robot.

[0063]This accurate position of the robot is sent to data processor means, e.g. located on an accompanying ship situated at a certain distance. The data is converted into positioning setpoints sent to the helicopter, which applies these new setpoints using its own differential accurate geographical positioning means.

third embodiment

[0064]In a third embodiment, the relative position of the object 1 relative to the robot 4 is determined with the sonar of an-accompanying mine sweeper ship which transmits the corresponding data by radio to the helicopter.

[0065]The vector corresponding to the position difference between the undersea intervention robot 4 and the object 1 is then used by appropriate means to determine adjustments to be made to the helicopter positioning setpoint, which setpoint is then applied by the helicopter pilot.

[0066]When the undersea intervention robot 4 has simultaneously a vertical camera, panoramic TV cameras, and a sonar, a search is carried out for the object in the vicinity of its theoretical position by implementing successive steps that are described below.

[0067]Firstly, when the robot is at a distance from the object that is too great to enable the object to be seen with the TV cameras, the presence of the object is detected by the high frequency sonar that sends information to the co...

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PUM

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Abstract

A method of identifying and optionally neutralizing an undersea object (1, 1′) that might be an undersea mine and that is of known geographical position, in which an undersea intervention robot (4, 4′) is used suspended under an aircraft capable of stationary flight, such as a helicopter (7) or a drone, serving to bring the robot (4, 4′) into register with the object (1, 1′) for identification and possibly for being neutralized, the object is identified, and optionally it is neutralized.

Description

BACKROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to identifying and optionally neutralizing an undersea object that might be an undersea mine, the presence of which object has previously been detected and its position determined.[0002]In order to prepare certain military type operations, it can be necessary to clear sea areas that have previously been mined.[0003]In order to clear such areas, the general practice is to perform a first sweep followed by additional clearance for eliminating any mines that might remain after the first sweep. In order to perform the additional clearance, it is necessary to begin by detecting the mines that might be present, to locate their positions, to identify them, and then to destroy them or at least neutralize them.[0004]In order to recognize the presence of mines and locate their positions, it is possible to use robots such as robots that are remotely controlled by cable or automatic undersea vehicles fitted with detector means, in pa...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): F41F5/00
CPCB63G7/02
Inventor FOURNIER, JEAN-CLAUDE
Owner DCN INC